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Interior Decoration (1900) by Helen Hyde. Image courtesy of the American Art Museum.

Monday, July 12: ExplorAsia: A Drop-in Art Adventure for Families

Come on down to Freer Gallery 5 and immerse yourself in the art of elaborately-decorated folding screens which will transport you back to 17th and 18th century Japan. Discover what life was like in the city and the country, act out what you see in the scenes on the screens, write a poem and get to know what tools the artists used to create these pieces. This event is perfect for family members of all ages. Free. Freer, 2:00-4:00 PM.

Tuesday, July 13: 6-Day Festival: MAKIYKUMANTA-Peru: Arts and Cultural Legacy

This week-long festival features more than 20 indigenous artisans who present daily exhibitions and demonstrations of Peruvian arts. In addition to a dazzling array of jewelry, textiles, paintings and carvings, you can enjoy music, dance, films, lectures and food demonstrations. For a detailed listing of the day’s events, visit this site. Free. American Indian Museum, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Wednesday, July 14: Come Draw with Us!

A classic way of engaging with works of art is sit, study and draw what you see on the walls. (And in this heat, it’s also a terrific way to pass an afternoon.) Educator Deborah Stokes will get you going on your artistic endeavors—and since all supplies are provided, there’s really no reason for you not to come out. Free, but reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 202-633-4632. African Art Museum, 1:00-3:00 PM.

Thursday, July 15: Face-to-Face Portrait Talk: Carrie Chapman Catt

In this week’s portrait talk, research assistant Andrea Baer will introduce you to Carrie Chapman Catt, founder of the League of Women Voters. Free. National Portrait Gallery, 6:00-6:30 PM.

Friday, July 16: Written on His Pots: David Drake’s Ceramic Rebellion

Trained as a potter, slave David Drake thumbed his nose at laws forbidding him to read and write by adorning his stoneware pots and jars with lines of verse. Learn more about this craftsman and his artful acts of sedition from John Michael Vlach of George Washington University. Free. African Art Museum, 12:00 PM.

For updates on all exhibitions and events, visit our companion site goSmithsonian.com